Hundreds gather to see Tree of Light switch-on

More than 900 people gathered for a remembrance service at K2 leisure centre to honour loved ones they had lost.

The St Catherine’s Hospice Tree of Light service was held on Sunday (December 14).

The service included readings and carols and saw young and old alike write messages to their loved ones on hundreds of stars which were then hung from the tree to act as a shining memorial to those who had passed away.

St Catherine’s Hospice provides end of life care and support to terminally ill people and their families across Crawley, Horsham, East Surrey and Mid Sussex.

A spokesman said the Tree of Light service provided “a meaningful time to remember loved ones who are no longer with us”.

Louise Brown, event organiser, added: “We hold our Tree of Light services as a way for local people to find comfort, by taking time to remember loved ones that they have lost.

“Our help doesn’t stop when a person dies and it is incredibly important that we can provide counselling for those who are left behind, as well as opportunities like this to honour the memory of those who have passed away.”